BRANDON — Michael Jerome Keith, age 70, passed from this life to the next on Sunday, August 31, 2014, at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

Mike was born in Rutland on February 11, 1944. He was the son of Francis L. and Frances H. (Pelkey) Keith. He moved to Brandon where he received his early education. He was graduated from Otter Valley Union High School’s first graduating class in 1962.

He worked for many years as a machinist for Callahan Ames in Proctor. He traveled the world over repairing machines for them. When they closed he opened his own machine shop in Brandon in 1983. He also owned and operated Fuels by Keith until his retirement.

His family was his life and spending time with his children and grandchildren was a priority. He was an avid gardener and had belonged to Neshobe Sportsman Club.

Surviving is his wife; Nancy (Leary) Keith of Brandon; whom he married September 26, 1964, at St. Mary’s Church in North Attleboro, MA; a daughter, Deborah Keith of Forest Dale; a son, Michael Keith & his wife Susan of Bristol; 2 grandsons, Tyrus & Peyton Keith; and a granddaughter, Marley Keith, all of Bristol; 3 sisters; Joan Thomas & her husband Robert of Brandon, Patricia O’Connell & her husband John of Pittsford and Nancy Halliday & her husband John of Chesapeake, VA, and a brother, Francis Keith III of Pittsford. Many nieces, nephews & cousins also survive him. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Barbara Keith Foley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 5, 2014, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brandon. The Rev. Albert “Skip” Baltz will be the celebrant.

Following the ceremony the family will receive friends, at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, for a time of remembrance.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in his memory to The Brandon Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 232, Brandon, VT 05733 or to Rutland Area Visiting Nurse & Hospice, c/o Rutland Health Foundation, 160 Allen St. Rutland, VT 05701 or to St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund, 38 Carver St. Brandon, VT 05733.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.